This week we had our first ever middle school tinkering workshop. The focus was on Arduino technology. A full group of youngsters learned about computer programming and circuitry.
While the program also conveyed programming language and LED light design, the true beauty of the workshop was how it fostered students’ imagination, bolstered their power to question, and encouraged—well—good tinkering. There was no docile act of listening to a teacher talk, no rote memorization of notes; instead, students immersed in the first steps of creating and innovating something new and fun.
As I looked around, I saw students working together to create; I also saw some students working alone, so focused, so immersed, that I highly doubt they realized they were in school. This engagement is the environment and experience middle school students need and deserve. As a middle school, we are actively thinking of how we can encourage this type of lesson design in our curriculum. Curriculum that requires students to ask a thoughtful question, empathize with a certain “real-life” challenge, and employ various academic disciplines to generate positive change. It is taking part in the process of learning to solve meaningful, life challenges that will become the spirt and purpose of Severn’s middle school. I can hardly wait to see what our kids will create and do!
severnschoolsoundings 